Akong Tulku had been my friend from the time I was seven. A social activist, he showed great kindness to Tibet by founding schools and hospitals, printing old texts, and helping many people. Thus I am shocked to hear that he, along with two others, has been taken from us so suddenly. I would like to offer my condolences to his family members, everyone at Samye Ling Monastery, the Rokpa Foundation, and all the persons involved in his projects in Tibet as well as to all of the students whose lives he touched. I hope that all of his visions and aspirations may continue to be fulfilled. Read the rest of this article

Karma Chakme Rinpoche, the head of the Neydo Kagyu lineage, was also one of the most senior lamas of the Karma Kamtsang lineage. He had great humility and was interested only in the Dharma. Thus I am deeply sorrowed that he has recently passed away, and I would like to offer my condolences to his family members, his monasteries and followers. The Chakme Ladrang has asked me to recognize his reincarnation, so I shall do all I can in that regard.

At this time, there is no need to worry: the lama’s mind is never separate from the students, so you should recall the lama’s qualities and practice as best you can. This is most important.

I had the chance to meet Rinpoche just before he passed away, and today his remains are being returned to his monastery in Nepal. The events surrounding his passing have all occurred while I have been near him in Delhi, which gives me a feeling of comfort. I feel a deep connection with him, and I pray he will return swiftly to continue his dharma activity for the benefit of the teachings and sentient beings. Read the rest of this article

It was with evident delight that the Gyalwang Karmapa spent the afternoon of 4 October interacting with students, parents and staff at the American Embassy School in New Delhi. With this being his fourth such visit to the school, the Gyalwang Karmapa personally remembered many of the young students from previous years as they greeted him and approached for his blessings.

On his arrival at the school, a student first interviewed the Gyalwang Karmapa for a class project, asking him questions about his childhood and escape from Tibet. He then toured the school’s science labs, dropping in on an astronomy class and examining the telescope equipment.

Next the Gyalwang Karmapa headed to the school’s assembly hall, known as the Peace Hall, which was packed with 4th and 5th graders eagerly awaiting Read the rest of this article

His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, addressed students and faculty of the Ambedkar University Delhi on 3rd Oct on a range of topics relating to emotional wellbeing. After a brief opening address to the packed hall at the university’s Kashmere Gate campus, the Karmapa engaged in extended dialogue with MPhil students from a number of departments.

This interaction at Ambedkar University Delhi marked the Karmapa’s first major visit to a university in India. Known for its commitment to social justice, Ambedkar University Delhi is the first university in the region dedicated entirely to postgraduate education and research in the social sciences and humanities.

Upon arriving in Delhi on 30 September, the Gyalwang Karmapa and Kyabje Gyaltsab Rinpoche visited the 7th Neydo Karma Chagme Rinpoche who was hospitalized in Delhi at that time. The Gyalwang Karmapa and Kyabje Gyaltsab Rinpoche offered him their combined blessings and prayers.

Just a few days later, on the morning of 3 October, Chagme Rinpoche passed away, entering the sacred meditative state of ‘thugdam’ in a sign of his high degree of realization.

Within hours of Chagme Rinpoche’s entering into thugdam meditation, the Gyalwang Karmapa went to his side to preside over the customary rituals. While there, he spent time making powerful monlam prayers seated beside Chagme Rinpoche who remained in a state of thugdam meditation.

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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